Alyssa Thomas helps the Connecticut Sun eliminate Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever from playoffs
Alyssa Thomas and the Connecticut Sun expressed their satisfaction in successfully concluding their opening round series at home in just two games.
Thomas contributed significantly with 19 points and 13 assists, leading the Sun to a decisive 87-81 victory over Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, thereby securing a playoff sweep on Wednesday night.
Since the league's playoff format was revised in 2022, the Sun had previously been required to win a crucial third game on the road in the first round to progress, a feat they accomplished in both prior years. This time, however, they achieved their advancement on home turf.
“Finally locked in and took advantage of homecourt advantage,” remarked Thomas, who recorded a triple-double in the Game 1 victory. “We’re ready. It was a challenging game tonight, and it wasn’t pretty, but that’s the essence of playoffs. We managed to secure a hard-fought win. We’re eager and prepared for what lies ahead in this playoff journey.”
The third-seeded Sun will now compete against Minnesota in the semifinals, which are set to commence on Sunday.
Clark demonstrated a marked improvement in Game 2 compared to her postseason debut on Sunday. The AP Rookie of the Year tallied 25 points and nine assists, yet it fell short of securing a victory.
“Obviously it’s a tough one, especially as we climbed all the way back in and just to have our opportunities late,” Clark commented.
Aliyah Boston contributed 16 points and secured 19 rebounds. With 2:05 remaining, her layup put Indiana ahead 77-75; however, DeWanna Bonner, participating in her WNBA record-tying 82nd playoff game alongside Lindsay Whalen, quickly responded with a 3-pointer just 14 seconds later.
Both teams struggled to score on their subsequent possessions until Marina Mabrey connected on a 3-pointer from the wing with 45.5 seconds remaining, giving the Sun an 81-77 lead.
Kelsey Mitchell's attempt at a 3-pointer on the Fever's next possession was unsuccessful, and the Sun ultimately clinched the victory from the free-throw line.
After trailing by seven at halftime, the Fever opened the third quarter with a 7-0 run to level the score. The teams exchanged baskets until Lexie Hull's layup provided the Fever with a 48-47 lead midway through the period.
This advantage was short-lived, as Thomas dominated, scoring 10 points during a 14-4 run that concluded the quarter.
Clark revitalized the Fever with a 3-pointer, giving them a 71-70 lead with 3:59 remaining, but the teams continued to trade baskets until Bonner's 3-pointer.
Indiana started strong, leading 14-6 before the Sun finished the first quarter with an 11-0 run to take a three-point lead. With 1:29 left in the quarter, following a foul, Clark alerted an official to a fan in the second row, resulting in security escorting the individual away. The fan returned later, and no further issues arose.
The Sun's momentum carried into the second quarter, as they extended their lead to 26-16 following Carrington's layup with 7:32 left in the half. The Sun held a 41-34 advantage at halftime, and Carrington was recognized before the game as the league's Most Improved Player.
On the final play of the half, Erica Wheeler attempted a layup to beat the buzzer but collided with courtside photographers. She remained on the floor for several minutes before rising and walking to the locker room. Her left thumb was examined, and she did not return for the second half.
Clark concluded the half with 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
The Sun were without their starting guard Tyasha Harris, who sustained an ankle injury during Sunday’s victory. Mabrey took her position in the starting lineup.
SportsLigue